Marley cools down as temperatures soar

Blackpool weather: Labradoodle Marley enjoys a splash in the Sea. Pic Dave nelson

While St James’ Park in London reached 27.1C (80F) with bookmakers slashing the odds that 2016 will be the hottest year on record, the Fylde coast has been enjoying its fair share of the sunshine with temperatures reaching around 25C.

Emma Boorman, a Met Office forecaster said: “There’s lots of lovely sunshine out there to enjoy. The final temperatures are still coming in but all four countries in the United Kingdom have recorded their highest temperatures of the year.”

Forecasters say the sunny spell will stay for the week – but temperatures in the North West are likelyto fall as the week goes on.

Bookmaker Coral is offering even money that 2016 is the hottest year on record in the UK after the firm saw a sustained gamble over the last 48 hours leading them to slash the odds from 3-1. It is also offering just 2-1 that the record high of 32.8C (91F) is broken in May, while it is 6-4 for 30C (86F) to be recorded.